Foods That Naturally Bring Down Blood Sugar

If you're a diabetic, ensuring that your blood sugar levels are low is essential in reducing your risk of complications and keeping the disease under control. Since your body cannot use or make insulin efficiently, you must avoid eating high-sugar foods that can quickly result in blurry vision, excessive thirst, persistent urination and other symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Eating foods that naturally bring down blood sugar can help you to keep associated risks at bay.

Avocado

Avocados are fruits that quickly digest and encourage blood sugar regulation throughout the day while bringing levels down. The abundance of monounsaturated fat in the avocado may especially help to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in women, Myrna and Mark Goldstein say in their book "Healthy Foods: Fact Versus Fiction." The insoluble fiber in avocado pulp also helps to encourage weight loss, often required for those suffering obesity-related diabetes. Avocados help to depress the appetite as the oleic acid amply present in the fruit transforms into oleoylethanolamide in the top portion of the intestines. This sends hunger-curbing messages to the brain.

Fatty Fish

If you're overweight, you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes, and up to 25 percent of normal-weight Americans have insulin resistance or insulin sensitivity, according to Jean Carper in her book "Food -- Your Miracle Medicine." Eating fish may cut your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in half and may help control type 1 diabetes, she says. Fatty fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to improve glucose tolerance. A November 2008 study published in the "American Journal of Kidney Diseases" discovered that diabetics who ate fish twice a week reduced their risk of kidney disease, a serious diabetic complication.

Broccoli

Broccoli is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and is extremely beneficial for diabetics. It is a source of vitamin A, B6 and C, as well as folate, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin, Robert and Shelley Young say in their book "The pH for Diabetes." Broccoli acts to lower and balance blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss. This is due to the presence of chelate metabolic acids and the insoluble fiber from plant cellulose.